While diet alone can't prevent problems, healthy nutrition is a cornerstone of reducing your vulnerability. It's especially important that you get enough calcium, which is found in dairy products and in dark green vegetables like broccoli, kale and bok choy. (Nuts and tofu fortified with calcium are good choices, too.)

Another crucial nutrient is vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. The best food sources include oily fish such as salmon and sardines, eggs, liver, fortified dairy products, margarine and cereals. (You can also get this vitamin through moderate exposure to sunlight.)

Don't forget that a bone-friendly lifestyle includes getting exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and eating an overall healthy diet. Give your bones a boost with some of these tasty recipes: